WALES: Public Transport Too Dear, Say Young

By EMYR WILLIAMS

PUBLIC transport in Gwynedd is too expensive, according to a survey into the views of young people.

More than half of those consulted in Blaenau Ffestiniog and on the Llyn peninsula said they would be more likely to use trains and buses if the prices were halved.

And nearly 80% said they would be more likely to use public transport if it were free.

The consultation exercise was undertaken on behalf of the Gwynedd Children and Young People’s Partnership.

In a report to next week’s meeting of the Dwy for Area Committee, the partnership’s operational manager, Hawis Jones stated that the aim was to ascertain how many young people used public transport, the difficulties they faced, and their ideas for improvement.

It emerged that many young people face difficulties attempting to use buses which sometimes prevented them using services at all.

The main difficulties noted included: the cost; inappropriate timetables; unreliable service; no bus shelters or dirty shelters; some drivers driving in an unsafe manner; and dirty buses and trains.

Recommendations of the consultation include working with Gwynedd council to offer discounts on bus prices and working with other groups to make sure services youngsters need are available.

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